Sprawling beaches, pristine waters, and more than 700 islands full of tropical playgrounds make the Bahamas a very family-friendly getaway.
From all-inclusive resorts to boutique options, kids clubs and young explorer programs abound in the Bahamas. Modern resorts on most main islands have evolved to incorporate activities for children to experience this island paradise — or without their parents. Island-hoppers benefit from short flight times, car rental services, and shuttles provide hassle-free transport for families, making vacations in the Bahamas top-notch, whether you want waterslides, waterfalls, or underwater adventures. There isn’t really a bad time to visit.
Narrowing down which islands to go to can be a challenge, but there are some that stand out for family travelers. Just off the coast of New Providence, a short distance from Nassau, is Paradise Island, known for the one-two punch of Atlantis and Baha Mar resorts, making it the top destination in the Bahamas for kids. Freeport in Grand Bahama offers an easily accessible alternative to New Providence that comes with a more do-it-yourself attitude for the kids. While families won’t be fully remote here, attractions like Coral Vita and Gold Rock Beach offer ready-made adventures for families of explorers. Chances are older children will appreciate the idyllic hamlet of Harbour Island just east of Eleuthera, which is completely navigable by golf cart. Here, pink sand beaches blend with the tranquil confines of Dunmore Town for a destination that offers flawless fun.
Best Family Activities in the Bahamas
1. Float Away at Aquaventure Water Park on Paradise Island
Aquaventure, located on Paradise Island, is a 141-acre water park that offers a whimsical atmosphere, placing visitors inside a fantasy world inspired by the lost city of Atlantis. Its attractions include water slides themed on Mayan pyramids and jungles, with one slide transporting riders through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks.
2. Learn About Smugglers at Pirates of Nassau Museum
Just a short ride from Aquaventure, visitors can get face-to-face with replica pirate ships and delve into the legacy of pirate lore in the Bahamas. Historically, the Bahamas hosted notorious smugglers, including famous figures like “Black” Sam Bellamy and “Blackbeard” Edward Teach.
3. Gaze Out to Sea from Fort Montagu
This 18th-century limestone fortress overlooks the eastern end of Nassau Harbor. Fort Montagu is the oldest remaining fort on New Providence and played a notable role in the American Revolutionary War, being the site of the first successful amphibious assault by U.S. Marines.
4. Explore Lucayan National Park for All Ages
Kayaking, off-road tours, and beautiful beaches are highlights of Grand Bahama’s Lucayan National Park, a playground for families of all ages. Located near Freeport, this sprawling jungle landscape allows groups to paddle through mangrove forests or take a thrilling 4WD tour of the rainforest.
5. Study Climate Change and Oceans at Coral Vita
Coral Vita, one of the world’s premier coral farms, is located on Grand Bahama. Here, researchers work to understand how warming oceans impact coral, engineering methods for coral to adapt to climate changes. Coral Vita offers guided tours for those interested in the biology taking place beneath the waves.
6. Interact with Animals at Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Center
This Nassau garden is home to more than 130 species of animals within a four-acre complex that’s perfect for toddlers. Families can feed birds and interact with mammals at the petting zoo, where swans, macaws, peafowls, and lory parrots roam freely beneath the shade of mango and coconut palms.
7. Feed Marine Creatures with Sea Squirts
Atlantis Paradise Island hosts the Sea Squirts program designed specifically for children ages three to six years old. This one-hour, interactive marine program allows children to hand-feed fish and baby stingrays, and includes a swim shirt as a keepsake.
8. Observe Local Wildlife at BEACH Sanctuary
The Baha Mar Ecological Aquatic Conservation Habitat is home to a variety of sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Inside this New Providence sanctuary, guests participate in daily animal feedings, wade into tidal pools, and meet flamingos. Additionally, BEACH Sanctuary features a kids club program.
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